A Critical Review of Measures of Gender Equitable Attitudes: Recommendations for Conceptualization and Future Assessment

Abstract

Gender equality is a global priority that has yet to be realized. The factors that shape individuals’ ideas about, or attitudinal commitment to, gender equity has been the focus of much research. In this body of literature, however, gender equitable attitudes (GEA) have been labeled, defined, and measured in many ways. Using literature identified in an earlier review of predictors of gender equitable attitudes among men, the goals of this review are to: 1) describe the range of ways that GEA were defined, labeled, and measured inclusive of seven dimensions drawn from existing literature; 2) identify strengths and gaps in the measures reflected in this review as well as assess the need for the refinement and expansion of our conceptualization of GEA to include broader contexts in which these attitudes play out; and 3) provide a compendium of measures to serve as a resource for scholars conducting GEA research. Across 69 studies that met inclusion criteria, 38 unique measures assessing GEA were included in this review. We describe these measures with respect to the conceptual and operational definitions of GEA, life domains captured in the GEA measures, target demographics, psychometric and validity evidence, and the conceptualization of gender within the measures. Following this analysis, we use the data extracted in each of the seven dimensions to make recommendations for future measures of GEA and considerations when assessing GEA.